Hand-held paint container

ABSTRACT

A hand-held container for paint and painting implements is provided. The body of the paint container includes an internal reservoir for holding paint and a magnet housed within the body for securing a paint brush or the like within the reservoir. An automatically adjusting, flexible handle that includes a living hinges provides a means for holding a person&#39;s hand against the exterior of the body. The paint container also includes a body that is dividable into multiple compartments. A textured surface covers a portion of exterior of the handle and the body and creates a non-slip surface useful for gripping the container. A portion of the container is shaped in a manner that allows the container to function as a pitcher for dispensing fluids such as paint. Stabilizing legs formed on or attached to the front portion of the container allow the container to be also be used as a paint tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Utility applicationSer. No. 10/957,825, filed on Oct. 4, 2004, entitled “Hand-Held PaintContainer,” the disclosure of which is incorporated as if fully writtenherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to containers for holding heavy orviscous fluids, and more particularly to a hand-held container forholding a volume of paint as well as implements useful for the task ofpainting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercially available painting products for industrial and/orresidential use are commonplace in modern society. A painting projectusing conventional products requires the simultaneous balancing andmanipulating of paint buckets, paint trays, rollers, brushes, andclean-up rags. Failing to effectively manage the use of these multipleitems may result in inefficiency, increased labor costs, or an inferiorpainting project.

Paint buckets or trays are known in the art and may be useful for someapplications where larger volumes of paint are required. However, theseitems are not necessarily appropriate for use with smaller brushes orrollers (e.g., 4.5 inch rollers) and smaller volumes of paint.Furthermore, holding and balancing a large paint-filled tray or bucketcan actually be quite difficult or even dangerous if the individualusing the tray or bucket is on a ladder or other elevated or unevensurface.

While coffee cans, cut-off milk cartons, and other plastic containersmay serve the purpose of holding lesser volumes of paint for smallerpaint jobs, these containers are often unstable and difficult to gripand lack other desirable structural and functional features.Furthermore, such makeshift containers may prove to be only marginallyuseful for both holding multiple painting implements and removing paintfrom such implements. Thus, there is a need for a hand-held containerthat may be easily and safely gripped without the need for manuallymaking adjustments, and that is capable of holding multiple paintingimplements as well as a useful volume of paint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Deficiencies in the prior art are overcome by the present invention, thevarious embodiments of which provide a conveniently sized hand-heldcontainer for holding paint or stain as well as various paintingaccessories. This paint container includes an internal reservoir, whichin some embodiments is divided into a first compartment for holding asmall brush and a second compartment for holding a small roller. Atextured surface covers a portion of the body and creates a non-slip,grippable surface on the exterior of the body. Two of the generalembodiments include a handle that is attachable or affixed to theexterior of the container. This handle is typically covered with ormanufactured from rubberized plastic, rigid elastomer, or similarmaterials. One of the embodiments includes a storage feature formed inthe body of the container for holding a paint rag or similar item, andanother of the embodiments includes a magnetic means for detachablyholding a paint brush to the interior of the container.

In the exemplary embodiments, a portion of the paint reservoir furtherincludes a textured surface formed on the interior of the container andthis textured surface further includes a plurality of ridges useful forremoving paint from a paint roller. Additionally, the uppermost edge ofthe front portion of the body of the container extends forward and awayfrom the bottom edge of the body, thereby allowing the container tofunction as a pitcher for dispensing fluids such as paint. In oneembodiment, front stabilizers are included for facilitating the use ofthe paint container in a manner similar to that of a traditional paintroller tray.

Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplaryembodiments of the invention and, together with the general descriptiongiven above and detailed description of the preferred embodiments givenbelow, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing theexterior features of the container.

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing theexterior features of the container, particularly the hinged handle.

FIGS. 1C-D are left and right side views of the paint container of FIG.1A.

FIGS. 1E-F are front and back side views of the paint container of FIG.1A.

FIG. 1G is a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing theproper placement of the hanging device for use with a ladder.

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing theattachable handle and the textured, multi-compartment interior.

FIGS. 2B-C are top and side views of the hand-held paint container ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a rear view of the hand-held paint container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing the rigidhandle, the textured, multi-compartment interior, and the paint-ragholding/storage feature.

FIGS. 3B-C are top and side views respectively of the hand-held paintcontainer of FIG. 3A showing the placement of the roller and brushwithin the multiple compartments of the container.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment ofthe hand-held paint container of the present invention showing thetextured, multi-compartment interior and the painting implements placedtherein.

FIGS. 4B-C are top and side views of the hand-held paint container ofFIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the Figures, FIGS. 1A-G illustrate a firstexemplary or general embodiment of the paint container of the presentinvention. As best shown in FIGS. 1A-B, hand-held paint container 100for use with paint brushes and rollers includes a reservoir formedwithin the body of the container, as well as a first exterior surface102 and a second exterior surface 104. In the exemplary embodiment,these surface textures are different from one another. Typically, secondexterior surface 102 will include a grip-enhancing, elastomeric orrubberized material attached to or formed integrally with the exteriorof paint container 100. The rear portion of the body of the paintcontainer has been adapted to provide gripping means 105, the exteriorportion of which includes the same texture as second exterior surface104. As shown in the Figures, gripping means 105 includes substantiallyvertical indentations or grooves formed on both sides of the body of thepaint container that accommodate the fingers and thumb of a personholding the paint container. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D,container 100 further includes a third exterior surface 128 that may beused as a label area for a pressure sensitive label or for a label ortext formed in and as part of the mold for the container.

As best shown in FIG. 1B, a handle 106 is attached to or, preferably,formed integrally with the rear portion of the body of paint container100. While the body of the paint container is typically formed fromplastic or other rigid material, handle 106 typically includeselastomer, rubber or other similar material that provides the handlewith a degree of both flexibility and resiliency. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in the Figures, handle 106 is fixedly attached to boththe top and bottom edges of the rear portion of paint container 100 andprovides a means for holding or securing the hand of the user againstthe body of the container when in use. A living hinge 109 is formed inhandle 109 roughly midway along its length and provides a means by whichthe handle may automatically expand to accommodate different hand sizes.Thus, the geometry of living hinge 109 combined with the flexibleproperties of handle 106 provides the handle with “self-adjusting”capabilities.

As shown in FIG. 1A, paint container 100 also includes at least onemagnetic means for holding or securing a paintbrush within thereservoir. In the exemplary embodiment, a boss or housing 111 is formedin the rear portion of the body of container 100 for the purpose ofhousing a magnet. A magnet, preferably a high-power magnet, such as, forexample, a neodymium magnet, is typically enclosed within housing 111during the manufacturing process. This magnet provides sufficientmagnetic force, through the material of the container, to detachablyhold a magnetically responsive item, such as, for example, a three-inchpaintbrush, to the inner wall of the container. By completely enclosingthe magnet within housing 111, the magnetic portion of container'sinterior surface can be easily cleaned and any performance diminishingbuild-up of paint or solvents around the magnet can be minimized.

Again with reference to FIGS. 1A-G, paint container 100 further includesa turned-down flange or lip 112 that surrounds the top edge of thecontainer and reduces any unwanted loss of paint from the inside of thecontainer when in use. Additionally, the front edge of the uppermostportion of the body of paint container 100 angles forward from and overthe bottom edge of the front portion of the body to form a substantiallyplanar, surface area (see FIGS. 1C and 1D). A portion of this surfacearea comprises textured surface 118 that further includes a plurality ofridges 120 formed in the material of container 100. Textured surface 118provides an effective means for the user of the present invention toremove excess paint from a paint roller by simply directing apaint-filled roller over ridges 120. Front edge 122 extends forward fromthe basin portion of container 100 and allows the container to functionas a pitcher-like device for pouring excess paint, water, or other fluidout of the container as desired. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-G, a raised area, ridge, or protrusion 124 is formed across thelength of front edge 122 for the purpose of providing a brush scrapingor drip catching device.

As best shown in FIG. 1A, this exemplary embodiment of the paintcontainer of the present invention also includes two stabilizers 126formed on either side of the front portion of the container. Thesestabilizers 126 basically function as two legs or feet that allowcontainer 100 to be placed on a level surface for use as a moretraditional roller tray by reducing any tendency of the container to tipover in a forward direction when used in such manner. As shown in FIG.1G, this embodiment is also compatible with a hanger 700 which providesa means for hanging container 100 from the rungs of a ladder when inuse. Hanger 700 is attached to container 100 under flange or lip 112 andmay then be hooked over the rungs of a ladder. The embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 1A-G typically holds at least one quartof paint, but may be increased in size to hold greater volumes of paint,or decreased in size to hold lesser volumes of paint.

FIGS. 2A-D show the second general embodiment of the hand-held paintcontainer of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 2A, hand-heldpaint container 200 includes a first exterior surface 202 and a secondexterior surface 204 that is textured differently from the firstexterior surface, and that may be coated with or manufactured from arubberized or elastomeric material to create a substantially non-slip,graspable surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures,second exterior surface 204 extends upward and over a substantialportion of the rear surface area of container 200 to provide the userwith a means to better grasp the container if handle 206 is not used forthat purpose. The rear portion of the body of the paint container hasbeen adapted to provide gripping means 205, the exterior portion ofwhich includes the same texture as second exterior surface 204. As shownin the Figures, gripping means 205 includes substantially verticalindentations or grooves formed on both sides of the body of the paintcontainer that accommodate the fingers and thumb of a person holding thepaint container.

Handle 206 includes individual gripping surfaces 208 which may also becoated with or manufactured from an elastomeric or rubberized gripmaterial (see also FIG. 2D). Handle 206 is attached to the body ofcontainer 200 by means of clip 210 which snaps into place underneath theportion of flange or lip 212 located on the rear portion of thecontainer. As shown in FIG. 2D, clip 210 includes a flexible, ribbed,tongue-like structure 211 that engages an aperture 217 which is formedin the rearmost portion of lip 212 to hold handle 206 securely in place.In alternate embodiments, handle 206 is integral with (i.e., permanentlyaffixed to) the body of container 200 and is not a separate piecedetachably connected to the body of the container. In still anotherembodiment, handle 206 is fixedly attached to both the top and bottomedges of the rear portion of container 200.

In the second embodiment shown in the FIGS. 2A-D, the interior ofhand-held paint container 200 is divided into a brush compartment 213and a roller compartment 214 by a divider 216 that is formed in theinterior portion of the container (see FIG. 2B). In other embodiments, aremoval panel is utilized for the purpose of dividing the interior ofthe container. Brush compartment 213 is designed to hold a relativelysmall volume of paint and/or a small brush 600 while roller compartment214 is designed to hold a somewhat larger volume of paint for use with a4-inch (10.2 cm) roller 500 or a larger brush. Lip 212 surrounds the topedge of the container and reduces the unwanted loss of paint from theinside of the container when in use.

The front uppermost portion of the body of paint container 200 extendsforward over the bottom portion of the body to form a substantiallyplanar, downwardly angled, surface area (see FIG. 2C). A portion of thissurface area comprises textured surface 218 that further includes aplurality of ridges 220 formed in the material of container 200.Textured surface 218 provides an effective means for the user of thepresent invention to remove excess paint from a roller prior to applyingpaint to a given surface by simply passing the paint-filled roller overridges 220. As best shown in FIG. 2C, front edge 222 extends forwardfrom the main basin portion of container 200, and basically allows thecontainer to function as a pitcher-like device for pouring excess paint,water, or other fluid out of the container as desired. As also shown inFIG. 2C this exemplary embodiment includes two stabilizers 226 formed oneither side of the front portion of the container. These stabilizers 226basically function as two legs or feet that allow container 200 to beplaced on a level surface for use as a more traditional roller tray byreducing any tendency of the container to tip over in a forwarddirection when used in such manner.

FIGS. 3A-C show a third general embodiment of the paint container of thepresent invention. In these Figures, paint container 300 includes asubstantially smooth first exterior surface 302 and a second exteriorsurface 304 that is textured differently from the first exterior surfaceand that may be covered with or manufactured from a rubberized materialto create a substantially non-slip, graspable surface. Second exteriorsurface 304 extends upward and over a portion of the rear surface areaof container 300 to provide the user with a means to better grasp thecontainer if handle 306 is not used for that purpose. Handle 306 isattached to the body of container 300 underneath the portion of lip 312located on the rear portion of the container and may be covered with ormanufactured from a rubberized or elastomeric material. In anotherembodiment, handle 306 is fixedly attached to both the top and bottomedges of the rear portion of container 300.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-C, the body of hand-held paintcontainer 300 is divided into a brush compartment 313 and a rollercompartment 314 by a divider 316 that is formed in body of the container(see FIG. 3B). Brush compartment 313 is designed to hold a relativelysmall volume of paint and/or a small brush 600 while roller compartment314 is designed to hold a somewhat larger volume of paint for use with a4.5-inch (11.3 cm) roller 500 or a larger brush. As best shown in FIGS.3A and 3B, the area of container 300 immediately adjacent to brushcompartment 313 includes a storage feature 330 that may be used forholding a paint rag or another item. In the exemplary embodiment,storage feature 330 is simply an aperture passing through a shelf-likeregion 328 formed in the paint container's body. In another embodiment(not shown), this aperture is not completely closed in by shelf-likeregion 328, but rather is open on its outward facing side to facilitatethe placement of a rag in the aperture.

As best shown in FIG. 3C, the front portion of the body of paintcontainer 300 extends forward over the bottom portion of the body toform a substantially planar, downwardly angled, surface area. A portionof this surface area comprises textured surface 318 that furtherincludes a plurality of ridges 320 formed in the material of container300. Textured surface 318 provides an effective means for the user ofthe present invention to remove excess paint from a small roller priorto applying paint to a given surface by simply passing the paint-filledroller over ridges 320. As best shown in FIG. 3C, front edge 322 extendsforward from the main basin portion of container 300, and basicallyallows the container to function as a pitcher-like device for pouringexcess paint, water, or other fluid out of the container as desired. Asalso shown in FIG. 3C, this exemplary embodiment includes twostabilizers 326 formed on either side of the front portion of thecontainer. These stabilizers 326 basically function as two legs or feetthat allow container 300 to be placed on a level surface for use as amore traditional roller tray by reducing any tendency of the containerto tip over in a forward direction when used in such manner.

FIGS. 4A-C show a fourth general embodiment of the paint container ofthe present invention. In these Figures, paint container 400 includes asubstantially smooth first exterior surface 402 and a second exteriorsurface 404 that is textured differently from the first exterior surfaceand that may be covered with or manufactured from a rubberized orelastomeric material to create a substantially non-slip, graspablesurface. Second exterior surface 404 extends upward and over a portionof the exterior of brush compartment 413 to provide the user with ameans to better grasp the container.

In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 4A-C, the body of hand-held paintcontainer 400 is divided into a brush compartment 413 and a rollercompartment 414 by divider 416 that is formed in body of the container(see FIG. 4B). Lip 412 surrounds both compartments. Brush compartment413 is designed to hold a relatively small volume of paint and/or asmall brush 600 while roller compartment 414 is designed to hold asomewhat larger volume of paint for use with a 4-inch (10.2 cm) roller500 or a larger brush.

As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one side of the body of paintcontainer 400 extends slightly outward to form a substantially planar,downwardly angled, surface area. A portion of this surface areacomprises textured surface 418 that further includes a plurality ofridges 420 formed in the material of container 400. Textured surface 418provides an effective means for the user of the present invention toremove excess paint from a small roller prior to applying paint to agiven surface by simply passing the paint-filled roller over ridges 420.As shown in FIG. 4A, this exemplary embodiment includes two stabilizers426 formed on either side of the front portion of the container. Thesestabilizers 426 basically function as two legs or feet that allowcontainer 400 to be placed on a level surface for use as a moretraditional roller tray by reducing any tendency of the container to tipover in a forward direction when used in such manner.

In summary, all four general embodiments of the present inventionprovide the user with a sturdy, conveniently sized device for holding avolume of paint as well as one or more painting implements. Eachembodiment of this invention may be manufactured using known methods andtechniques and from a variety of materials, such as plastics, polymers,thermoplatic elastomers, or other suitably rigid and/or flexiblematerials all of which are known in the art of manufacturing. Ofparticular utility in manufacturing items that include multiplematerials having different textures or physical characteristics, such asthe present invention, is the insert molding and dual injection (i.e.,“two shot”) method of manufacturing. This method typically involves theuse of multiple molds or tools and includes two basic steps. In general,for the present invention, the main body or reservoir of the paintcontainer is manufactured first from a more rigid material such asplastic and the textured grip portion and handle are manufactured secondusing a thermoplastic elastomer, such as Santoprene TPE, which adheresto or bonds with the first portion of the body. In the embodiment of thepresent invention that includes the magnet, the magnet is placed withinthe main body of the container before the second molding step isexecuted. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a numberof known materials are compatible with the insert molding and dualinjection method of manufacturing.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofexemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have beendescribed in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

1. A container for holding fluids, comprising: (a) a body, wherein thebody further comprises a reservoir formed therein; and (b) a flexiblehandle fixedly attached to the body, wherein the handle furthercomprises a living hinge formed substantially midway therein, andwherein the living hinge is substantially V-shaped and further includes:a first thinned area, a second thinned area, a third thinned area, afirst hinge segment angularly disposed between the first and secondthinned areas, a second hinge segment angularly disposed between thesecond and third thinned areas, wherein the second thinned area forms anarcuate region between the first and second hinge segments, and whereinthe living hinge allows the flexible handle to self-adjust foraccommodating different hand sizes.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises: (a) a lip surrounding the upperportion of the body; (b) a ridge formed atop the lip on the frontportion the body; (c) a plurality of ridges formed at least one surfaceon the interior of the body; (d) at least one stabilizing leg formed onthe front portion of the exterior of the body for preventing forwardtipping; and (e) gripping means formed on the rear portion of theexterior of the body.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the flexiblehandle and the gripping means further comprise at least one elastomericmaterial.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the reservoir furthercomprises as least two separate compartments.
 5. The container of claim1, wherein the top edge of the front portion of the body extends forwardand angles away from the bottom edge of the front portion of the body toform a substantially planar surface area in the body.
 6. A hand-heldpaint container, comprising: (a) a body, wherein the body furthercomprises: (i) a reservoir formed therein; (ii) a lip surrounding thetop edge of the reservoir; (iii) a ridge formed atop the lip on thefront portion the body; (iv) a plurality of ridges formed on at leastone surface on the interior of the body; (v) at least one stabilizingleg formed on the exterior of the front portion of the body forpreventing forward tipping; and (vi) gripping means formed on the rearportion of the exterior of the body; and (b) a flexible handle fixedlyattached to the body, wherein the handle further comprises amulti-segmented living hinge formed substantially midway therein, andwherein the living hinge is substantially V-shaped and further includes:a first thinned area, a second thinned area, a third thinned area, afirst hinge segment angularly disposed between the first and secondthinned areas, a second hinge segment angularly disposed between thesecond and third thinned areas, wherein the second thinned area forms anarcuate region between the first and second hinge segments, and whereinthe living hinge allows the flexible handle to self-adjust foraccommodating different hand size.
 7. The container of claim 6, whereinthe top edge of the front portion of the body extends forward and anglesaway from the bottom edge of the front portion of the body to form asubstantially planar surface area in the body.
 8. The container of claim6, wherein the flexible handle and the gripping means further compriseat least one elastomeric material.
 9. The container of claim 6, whereinthe reservoir further comprises as least two separate compartments. 10.The container of claim 6, further comprising an attachment means forsecuring an item within the reservoir.
 11. A hand-held container,comprising: a flexible handle, wherein the handle further comprises aliving hinge formed substantially midway therein, and wherein the livinghinge is substantially V-shaped and further includes: a first thinnedarea, a second thinned area, a third thinned area, a first hinge segmentangularly disposed between the first and second thinned areas, a secondhinge segment angularly disposed between the second and third thinnedareas, wherein the second thinned area forms an arcuate region betweenthe first and second hinge segments, and wherein the living hinge allowsthe flexible handle to self-adjust for accommodating different handsizes.
 12. The hand-held container of claim 11, wherein the flexiblehandle further comprises at least one elastomeric material.